The Empire of Notting Hill
said, "but why should you say that we shall be defeated?"
"The answer is very simple," replied Wayne, calmly. "It is because we ought to be defeated. We have been in the most horrible holes before now; but in all those I was perfectly certain that the stars were on our side, and that we ought to get out. Now, I know that we ought not to get out; and that takes away from me everything with which I won."
As Wayne spoke he started a little, for both men became aware that a third figure was listening to them—a small figure with wondering eyes.
"Is it really true, my dear Wayne," said the King, interrupting, "that you think you will be beaten to-morrow?"
"There can be no doubt about it whatever," replied Adam Wayne; "the real reason is the one of which I have just spoken. But as a concession to your materialism, I will add that they have an organised army of a hundred allied cities against our one. That in itself, however, would be unimportant."
Quin, with his round eyes, seemed strangely insistent.
"You are quite sure," he said, "that you must be beaten?"
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